Article
Details
Citation
McClurg D, Goodman K, Hagen S, Harris FM, Treweek S, Emmanuel A, Norton C, Coggrave M, Doran S, Norrie J, Donnan PT, Mason H & Manoukian S (2017) Abdominal massage for neurogenic bowel dysfunction in people with multiple sclerosis (AMBER - Abdominal Massage for Bowel Dysfunction Effectiveness Research): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials, 18, Art. No.: 150. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-1890-y
Abstract
Background
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a life-long condition primarily affecting younger adults. Neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD) occurs in 50–80% of these patients and is the term used to describe constipation and faecal incontinence, which often co-exist. Data from a pilot study suggested feasibility of using abdominal massage for the relief of constipation, but the effectiveness remains uncertain.
Methods/design
This is a multi-centred patient randomised superiority trial comparing an experimental strategy of once daily abdominal massage for 6weeks against a control strategy of no massage in people with MS who have stated that their constipation is bothersome. The primary outcome is the Neurogenic Bowel Dysfunction Score at 24weeks. Both groups will receive optimised advice plus the MS Society booklet on bowel management in MS, and will continue to receive usual care.
Participants and their clinicians will not be blinded to the allocated intervention. Outcome measures are primarily self-reported and submitted anonymously. Central trial staff who will manage and analyse the trial data will be unaware of participant allocations. Analysis will follow intention-to-treat principles.
Discussion
This pragmatic randomised controlled trial will demonstrate if abdominal massage is an effective, cost-effective and viable addition to the treatment of NBD in people with MS.
Keywords
Multiple sclerosis; Constipation; Abdominal massage; Randomised controlled trial
Journal
Trials: Volume 18
Status | Published |
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Publication date | 29/03/2017 |
Publication date online | 29/03/2017 |
Date accepted by journal | 10/03/2017 |
URL | |
Publisher | BioMed Central |
eISSN | 1745-6215 |